Senior Art Show at the Community House Stays in the Moment

For Senior Art, Please Scroll to the end of the article

On Monday November 24, the Bedford Recreation Department held their annual Senior Art Show at the Bedford Hills Community House. Cubism, watercolor and acrylics lining the walls, the imagery spoke for itself, but so did a process that importantly slowed the pace, according to Noreen Donovan.

“Painting gives the chance for piece and quiet,” said the artist. “It is very introspective and allows you to think about things that we overlook in our very busy lives.”

So choosing her previously passed pitbull made perfect sense. “I miss her,” said the Brewster resident, “Minnie would put her back legs out and lay flat on the ground.”

A back yard scene, Donovan took pride in the point of view she created in class. “Doing well for someone who just started,” she said, “the window feels like you’re looking right outside,” she said.

Marian Belli provided a bird’s eye view too but didn’t go to the dogs to do it. The Bedford Hills senior chose a cat for her inspiration and was in line with the mysterious nature of these creatures. A darkened rendition, she said, “You don’t know which way the cat is looking.”

Off this wall eventually, Belli can’t wait to hang the artwork at home and will be back despite having a somewhat aimless artistic background. “I’m more of a doodler,” she playfully joked.

Ann Manlow, on the other hand, brought a lifetime of experience. An art teacher in the Bronx for decades, she doesn’t grade her work on the curve. “It feels good to create,” said the 92 year old. “It’s just the process.”

Still, the teacher in the retiree had her say. “You always want to improve yourself,” said Manlow.

The educator wasn’t done being a student either. “I learned how everyone responds differently to a piece of art,” she said.

Mary Hurowitz of Stanwood was an open book too and joined in to add another chapter to her creativity. “I took the writing group, the poetry group, and I wanted to continue to branch out,” she said.

Of course, she had help in all these endeavors. “Rosemary (Vorel) is very talented, patient, and makes you feel good about trying different things,” said Hurowitz.

Watercolors her favorite, the senior confidently played art critic to her own work. “I’m kind of impressed,” she said.

But for this artist there was more to success than aesthetics. “It expands your mind and makes you feel like you have something to offer,” said the painter.

The witch that Rebecca Cuba drew said as much, and using herself as inspiration was still a mirror that gave the Bedford Hills resident no pause. “I’m beautiful,” she confidently assured.

Looking around at all the art, Town Supervisor Ellen Calves appreciated the sentiment. “It looks like these artists are in the moment, which is a message for our very busy lives,” she said.

Patience, the process still is a journey, according to the teacher. “They don’t realize how good the work is when they are in it and are then shocked by how good it looks on display,” said Vorel.

Interpretation takes a back seat to another key component, though. “It gets you out of the house,” Hurowitz happily concluded.

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Thank you very much - Rich Monetti